About Us

We’re a small creative studio based in Los Angeles (next to LACMA). We shape thoughtful brand and digital (mostly) experiences.

Studio Origins

Founders

John and Nikolai explore new ideas and push creative boundaries, keeping the studio’s path steady while bringing vision to life. John began the studio as a place to build freely, a space where creating could finally be the work itself. After years of brief sparks of that feeling, he wanted a space where the momentum could last, and where others could share in the joy of making.

John Hansen

Founder & Designer

John combines art, business, and technology with creativity to craft intuitive, engaging experiences. With a foundation in graphic design he weaves UX/UI, visual systems and web development to deliver impactful digital solutions. He loves systems, rapidographs, fugues and spicy food.

Nikolai Annenkoff

Co-Founder & Software Engineer

Nikolai focuses on building capable, high-performing user-centered applications. With expertise in iOS, cloud architecture, and API design, he integrates geospatial technology, real-time connectivity, and scalable systems to create seamless, impactful digital experiences. He loves problems to solve.

Collective

Studio

We work with artists, designers, and developers who share our values and bring unique perspectives to each project.

Ellie Pirzad

Designer

Ellie brings ideas to life through expressive visual systems and purposeful design. With a strong eye for typography, color, and composition, she crafts identities and layouts that communicate clarity and character across digital and print mediums. She loves telling stories through design.

Creative camaraderie

Pet friends

We share our creative spaces with animal companions when possible. We enjoy their energy.

Ham Perkins

Cat

Ham Perkins brings curiosity and chaos in equal measure. And she plays fetch. All day if you will. When not playing fetch, she's knocking pens off a desk or snuggled in her Gudetama blanket nest. She loves the Wild Seafood Recipe flavor.

About Us

We really like to make things

Based in LA, we’re a team of creators driven by curiosity and a passion for crafting experiences that make a difference.

Our current lyceum for 1 days, 1 hours, 1 minutes and 1 seconds.

Tidbit: Our LA studio is in Los Angeles next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Studio questions

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few questions people often ask about our studio, our approach, and how we work. Each one offers a closer look at who we are and what guides us.

What is Aether Creative Studio?

Aether Creative Studio is a design and development practice focused on clarity, structure, and modern digital systems. We help brands, products, and organizations create experiences that feel grounded, intentional, and human while strategically optimizing for the AI era. We are proud of our craftsmanship and creativity and how we augment our processes with artificial intelligence.

What makes your studio different?

We combine disciplined process with refined design and always take into account the situation, we never push a template or comfortable pattern because it's easier for us. We sincerely love to create and solve problems. Every project is built to perform across both human and AI-driven search, and every decision is grounded in clarity, consistency, and long-term scalability.

Who leads Aether Creative Studio?

The studio is led by John Hansen, a designer and developer with a background shaped by both tech and military service. That experience influences a calm, structured approach to problem-solving and execution.

What types of clients do you typically work with?

We partner with small businesses, federal contractors, growing brands, and organizations that need clean, modern digital foundations—whether that’s a brand system, a website, or a complete product experience.

What services does your team provide?

We focus on brand identity, UX/UI design, web design and development, iOS, and SEO/AEO/GEO optimization. Every service is built around structure, clarity, and maintainability.

How do you approach new projects?

We begin with a conversation to understand your goals. From there, we define structure, create a clear plan, and shape the work through steady, predictable phases.

Do you collaborate with other teams or agencies?

Yes. We can integrate into existing teams, support larger initiatives, or provide specialized design and development expertise where needed.

Where is Aether Creative Studio based?

The studio is based in Los Angeles and works with clients locally and across multiple time zones through structured digital collaboration.

What is your design philosophy?

We focus on clarity, consistency, and calm. Design should remove friction, guide understanding, and create a sense of confidence at every touchpoint.

How can we work with Aether Creative Studio?

It starts with a brief conversation. We’ll learn what you’re aiming to create, determine the best approach, and outline a clear next step.

Who we are

Ready to work with a studio built on clarity and intention?

We bring structure, calm, and thoughtful design to every project. If you’re looking for a partner who values clarity and dependable execution, we’d be glad to walk the next steps with you.

Start a conversation

About Us

Founders

Studio

Pet friends

We really like to make things

Ready to work with a studio built on clarity and intention?

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